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Unexpectedly Expected

**Disclaimer: I'm an engineer. I'm not a writer. I did not major in English. I prefer a mix of stream of consciousness and storytelling as opposed to a formal MLA style paper. If that really bothers you, I'm sorry and you will struggle through my posts.**

Originally, I thought this would be the best medium to distribute information about the journey we are on. I was wrong. Even though it seems the sporadic updates I've gotten today have felt fewer and farther between than I would have liked, it all really came at a speed that was too fast to distribute through this blog. So, I imagine going forward this may be used as a milestone platform. There will be honest, blunt communication of what's going on. There will also be some behind-the-scenes analysis of everything. I can't promise these will be short posts, but I can promise they'll be real and they'll be raw.

So, let's start with today. October 24, 2017. A day that will forever be etched into my memory. Unfortunately, in some respects, it will be one that I will never forget. Let's get started...

Long story-short, in June, Ashley, being pregnant with our second daughter (Diana), temporarily lost the right half of her vision in her right eye. (I don't know if it's right or wrong, but there were a LOT of commas in that previous sentence) After a short stent in the hospital (and a CT and MRI) it was determined that there was definitely something going on in her head. Fast forward a month (and several MRIs w/o contrast) and we delivered Diana early to expedite the diagnosis for Ashley.

The next step was to run an MRI with contrast. It revealed the same approximate images as the MRIs from weeks prior which led us the doctors (as there were MULTIPLE looking over our scans) to believe this was a low grade glioma. A brain tumor. Cancer. Not what we expected to hear in our thirties, but should we have been surprised? More about that in a minute.

So we are facing cancer. What to do?

Well, first off, we cried. Let's be honest here, it feels unmanly to claim that my first response was to cry especially in front of people; but I did, and I blame Ashley for that... not because she had a tumor, but because she has, over time, worn off enough of my rough edges to make me actually respond like a normal person to tough situations; rather than be emotionless and without external showmanship. This is my wife we're talking about. My best friend, my bride, my love. She's sick and I can't fix it. Not a fun conversation. Again, more on this in a minute.

Next, we turned to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2). He would be the only one who could enable us to run this race set before us.

You know, it's a funny thing... about a year ago Ashley and I were having some pretty serious conversations after our small group one Sunday and we prayed specifically that God would give us a platform to make His name known; that he would enable us to garner the attention of a bigger group of people than we currently had and in doing so we would have the opportunity to proclaim Jesus' name. Now, if you had told me a year ago that I'd be sitting in a semi-uncomfortable chair in a Neuro-ICU room at UAB writing a blog at 12am after quite possibly one of the toughest days I've ever faced, and it was the answer to that prayer... I, honestly, would have doubts about actually praying that prayer. However, the more I live this story, the more I see one thing clearly... the Lord heard our prayer and faithfully provided. He has, for His reasons, set us on this journey. He is sovereign, and as hard as it may be, He truly is providing an opportunity to make His name known.

Anyways, that's quite a digression. We look to Jesus for strength, for comfort, for peace. I have absolutely no idea how we would be handling any of this process without Christ.

Through a series of doors closing (surgeon unavailability) and opening (finding another neurosurgeon and having an fMRI), God made way for an inoperable brain tumor (as it was situated in a very precarious spot) to be considered for surgery. The next hurdle was to schedule it at 3+ months postpartum as there needed to be sufficient time between the delivery and surgery to reduce the chance of some blood/clotting issues. Cue 10/24/2017.

Today (well, now, officially yesterday) was one for the books. [If you actually show me what book that is written in, I'll take it and toss it in a bonfire somewhere] The day started with us arriving at UAB around 5:15am and getting checked in for surgery. This surgery was certainly unique. We'd never thought we'd be at a point where we'd go through an awake craniotomy. Before you go Googling (please don't Google that), I'll just tell you it involves the opening of the head and the patient being awake during a mapping and resection (removal) process. It was our way of getting rid of 66%+ of the tumor so that we could chemo/radiate the remainder and move forward from this moment proclaiming how Jesus carried us through a monumental surgery/illness and proclaiming His name all the way to a church near you. Everything was going according to plan, 5:30am official check in, 7:00am wheelback make that 10:20am (3:20 delay) wheelback to the OR, a successful, 'without complication' prep for surgery which included getting Ash affixed to a table, strapped in and situated to be awakened for the mapping/resection. Every 2-3 hours I got a call from the OR with a semi-affirming report. At this rate, it appeared the initial 9 hour time frame for surgery was holding.

In the words of Lee Corso, 'Not so fast, my friends...' I received a call around 4:15ish to have a seat in the consultation box in the waiting area. My initial thoughts were, 'this isn't good, we still have 3 hours until the surgery is supposed to be finished'. My second thought was of a conversation that Ashley and I had last night (10/23/2017). Among other things in this conversation, we discussed the possible deficits that Ashley would have as part of the resection (including but not limited to the inability to communicate [at least in the short term]). Ashley's words to me were, "When I can't proclaim the Gospel and can't preach Jesus for myself; it will all fall to you. Take up that mantle and run with it. Boldly proclaim Jesus for me." ...Let's just pause here and take a minute to reflect on Ashley's heart and how, if you know her, this is exactly who she is. There is not a lot else (to some sadness on my part) that I remember about that conversation, but this keeps coming to mind.

Here's what the conversation consisted of between our doctor and me:

[A bulleted list will help me stay on point here... see what I did there: bulleted list, point...]

Ashley had seizures basically from the start of the mapping process

These seizures were nearly unmanageable and took quite an effort to settle her down

After the first mapping attempt, a biopsy was taken to run in house to give a high level idea that he was in the right area and that the tissue was indeed tumor related

The second attempt also ended shortly after it began with more seizures

The initial pathology showed signs that the severity of the tumor was of a higher grade than we were expecting (which coincided with the seizures, etc.)

The decision was made for Ashley's safety to end the procedure/surgery at that time without resecting any of the tumor (as it could not be mapped to know what was being removed)

Ashley would be moved to post-op and the Neuro-ICU

We've basically kicked a hornet's nest by poking, prodding and shocking the tumor. It (starting to feel like I should give a name to the tumor) will most likely respond with a fury in the form of swelling and additional seizure activity.

So from here, I had the privilege of relaying this information to Ashley's mom, sister and aunt. I gained a great amount of respect at that moment for people who have to routinely deliver crushing news to people. It is not easy and it is not fun.

They got Ashley settled in to the ICU room and after a few rounds of visitors to the back; here we sit (technically, Ashley is laying down and I'm semi-reclined in a vinyl chair). The long and short of what's going on now is that we are attempting to stabilize Ashley, control the swelling, continue to ward off infection, and make it through the next 48 hours. The doctors (along with my support) agreed that because of the seizing activity still occurring and the agitation that comes along with being intubated it is in Ashley's best interest to be put into a chemically stable state of sedation to allow her brain to reset and hopefully relieve some of the swelling pressure. If you want to read 'chemically stable state' as being put into a medically induced coma, you can; because, well, frankly, that's exactly what it is. Ashley is so tough and being the good redhead that she is has proven herself to be of high tolerance to the medications used for sedation. She's on a pretty good drip and has settled down for the night. That's basically where we're at right now. We are playing a waiting game.

It's funny how the phrase that's coming to mind right now is, "So, Brook Hills..." (all afforded credit goes to Matt Mason for making that phrase stick)

So, Blog Readers...

Here are some take aways and some things I really want you to hear from me:

God is so good to us. It is ridiculous the amount of grace and mercy he showers and shows us.

Ashley and I fully trust that God is sovereign over all things.

Whatever happened today, happens tonight, will happen in the days to come will absolutely fall under that sovereignty and will not be of a surprise to the Lord.

Though my heart and flesh may fail at times, God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Ps. 73:26)

Ashley and I had very pointed conversations about what would happen if a scenario like this were to occur. We very much did not expect this to happen, but we've tended to play the odds in every situation thus far on this journey. All of that to say, we unexpectedly expected this scenario and the bottom-line, after-the-dust settles message is: Jesus is the sole reason we are even able to take a breath and since we are only given so many of those on this side of glory; every one ought to point back to the Giver of life.

[See the above point and read this line, really let it soak in] : "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" Phil 1:21

The prayers, support, encouragement, food, errands and outreach that we've experienced in this trial have, quite frankly, been SO overwhelmingly incredible. I cannot express to you how thankful I am that you would rally in support of my wife in this way.

I may not communicate with everyone directly (though I am trying); please know that I see your messages and read your comments and they hit home every, single, time.

My desire is that if you read this or have an interest in this journey that you will ultimately fall into the arms of our Savior.

Key areas of prayer in the coming days:

No Seizures

No Swelling

No Infection

Our girls would continue to be troopers and patient and understanding in a season that they don't fully grasp.

For Ashley to make a full recovery from this surgical setback.

For our neurosurgeon who may or may not be struggling with decisions leading up to this point [This is a big one for me] I need him to know that he made the best decisions possible with the available information and that he knows the comfort of Jesus presiding over all things. A praise that, because of him and his quick decision making to stop the surgery when he did and not pridefully want to press on, may have saved Ashley's life in doing so.

For my mother in law, my sister in law and our family to understand (as best as possible) what's going on and how we can best process everything.

That the Lord would continue to impress upon people's hearts how good He is and that we owe everything to Him, up to and including our very lives.

Congrats! If you've made it through this entry, you are a trooper.

Seriously, thank you for reading. I can't promise I'll update this every day or even to this magnitude, but I will strive to keep you up to date as best I can.

-David

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Hi David. I don't remember having met you and Ashley personally, but I know several girls who know Ashley. We are members of Brook Hills and have been praying for y'all and especially all day yesterday. Just woke up and checked FB for an update and then read this post. Thank you for your honesty and openness. God WILL see y'all through every step of the way. We lost our 26 yo son earlier this year, and I can tell you the Lord never leaves, never waivers, never lets go. Even on days when your hold on Him may feel weak, His grip on you and Ashley is strong and will never loosen. Many people are praying for y'all. I hope as you sit there through this first night of watching and waiting, that you and Ashley, as she rests, will feel God's presence as you've never felt it before. Linda and Robert Hall

WHAT A GREAT MIRACLE THAT I HAVE EVER SEE IN MY LIFE. My names are Robert Mary I’m a citizen of United Kingdom, My younger sister was Sicking ofbreast cancer and her name is Robert Jane, I and my family have takingher to all kind of hospital in UK still yet no good result. I decidedto go to the internet and search for cancer cure so that was how Ifind a lady called Sarah peter she was testifies to the world aboutthe goodness of a herbal man who has the root and half to cure allkind of disease and the herbal email was there. So I decided tocontact the herbal man for my younger sister help to cure her breastcancer. I contacted him and told him my problem he told me that Ishould not worry that my sister cancer will be cure, he told me thatthere is a medicine that he is going to give me that I will cook itand give it to my sister to drink for one week, so I ask how can Ireceive the cure that I am in UK, he told meThat I will pay for the delivery service. The courier service cantransport it to me so he told me the amount I will pay, so my dad paidfor the delivery fee. two days later I receive the cure from thecourier service so I used it as the herbal man instructed me to,before the week complete my sister cancer was healed and it was like adream to me not knowing that it was physical I and my family were veryhappy about the miracle of Doctor so my dad wanted to pay him 5million us dollars the herbal man did not accept the offer from my dad,but I don't know why he did not accept the offer,he only saidI should tell the world about him and his miracle he perform so am nowhere to tell the world about him if you or your relative is having anykind of disease that you can't get from the hospital please contactDr.ogididanspelltemple@gmail.com or WhatsApp him +2347067393105, website:> drogididherbalhome.wordpress.com message him on instragram dr.ogididanspelltemple for the cure, he will help you outwith any problems you have.To get more information you can message me via email robertmary8947@gmail.com

David, I truly can't imagine what you guys are going through. Thank you for your courage to share. Your faith in such times is absolutely inspiring. You, your wife, family, and doctors are in my thoughts and prayers. - Krystal Keenum

I'm sitting here struggling for words to describe how I am thoroughly impressed with not only how well you handled the situation thus far, but also how frequently you point to Christ. There's a lot of true strength there and your family needs that right now. Love and prayers continue from my heart. May you all be blessed with everything that you've asked for and so much more in healing and strength.

Your strength and faith are truly inspiring David. Thank you for taking the time to update us as you travel through this difficult journey. Ashley and your family are continuously in my thoughts and prayers. I pray for peace and wisdom and hope for everyone involved. Love to you all. Aaron Stoker

David, we’ve never met, but I grew up a lot of years with Ashley being one of my older sister’s best friends. We went to the same church and our families were friends as long as I can remember. Being a redhead myself, and the only redhead out of my entire 5 siblings and parents, I always enjoyed knowing other beautiful strong redheaded women to look up to, even from afar. I have been following yalls story since the beginning, and I just wanted to say thank you, thank you for being such an encouragement, to go through struggles in this life and show the world that it’s still not just about you, but Him. I know this journey will speak to many people. I read this in (dead stop) Denver traffic on my way to work, in which I listen to my Christian music the whole time. As soon as I was done reading this there was a pause and then this song came on, and it made more sense to me now then ever and really applies to yalls story. Worship is my favorite part because I love to sing and I think songs are like beautifully written out prayers. The song is by Tauren Wells, called Hills and Valleys. Give it a listen and be encouraged. This is only a valley, but wait... there are mountains up ahead. Keep fighting the good fight my brother in Christ. You have prayer warriors calling on the Lord here in Colorado.

Yesterday we were asked to pray for y'all by our daughter-in-law, Lissa Redman, who went to Kenya with Ashley. This morning she sent us your blog link.Thank you for laying out the prayer requests so that we can ask our Father specifically. We are praying also that you physically feel God's arms carrying you with His strength, knowing that when you are at your weakest, His strength is most evident! 2 Cor. 12:9-10Also asking Him to continue to give you opportunities to speak of the hope that lies within you and that people will come to know Him as a result. Scott & Jeri Redman, Cary NC

David, I don't know your family but your blog showed up in my feed this morning. Your faith and reliance upon Christ is incredible, and I will join you in prayer for your wife, children, and you. Thank you for sharing your story with us. God bless.

David,You dont know me but I am friend of Brittany McNeilly who shared your story with me. The eloquence in your writing while going through the hardest time in your life is absolutely incredible. And among that to recognize that all things are for the glory of God in this struggle is beyond spiritually mature. I too am a believer and have been called to share the healing power of Gods green earth and the tools that He has already given us to heal our bodies. I dont know how much you can process right now in this struggle but I am sure that you are looking for anything that could help your sweet wife. Over the last several years I have done extensive research on alternative cancer treatments and out of those alternative treatments there are 2 that could help your wife. One is called the Gerson Therapy. Basically it is a very strict diet of detoxifying the body by juicing and coffee enemas. I would highly recommend this diet as there are many success stories of healing with it!! Another is taking frankincense every day. I am not sure on the dosage but as you recall baby Jesus was given this when he was born and back then they used it as medicine to help newborns fight off illnesses. It has also been show to shrink tumors, specifically brain tumors. Take it under the tongue every day! Please do some research on these methods but I would recommend starting the Gerson therapy as soon as possible. I am praying for you and your sweet family on this journey and that God continues to use your lives for His glory.

David, I'm not sure we have ever met, but I was a Tri Chi with Ashley. We've been praying so hard for y'all. I hope you don't mind, but I shared your story with our Christian group at work. Your words above about making God's name known (even though this isn't how you planned) are powerful. I shared your words and your story because it's a powerful testimony of faith and how God is good and faithful, even when it doesn't look like we had hoped. Your story is reaching others to carry His name, and I wanted you to know that. Praying!

Hi David, we've never met but Larisa and Kyle Sloan are in our Sunday School class. Larisa has shared much of Ashley's journey and we have prayed for her and for your family all along. You know how God works in mysterious ways? Well I feel like maybe God is doing that again right now. A couple of weeks ago my family and I went to the beach (Nags Head, NC) down the road from our home. On the way, we stopped at the library to return some of my kids' books. I felt like reading something, so I picked up a copy of "Into the Gray Zone". This is a book about a neuroscientist who has spent his life trying to understand what happens with patients with severe brain injuries. I had no idea why this interested me, until I read the updates from Larisa and your blog entry here.

The author's faithless-ness aside, one thing that has struck me from this book is that people with traumatic brain injuries are still "in there". They very often can hear us, and science is proving that they can. Of course God knew this already and scientists had to catch up, but my point is this: God had me read this book so that I can encourage my brother in Christ - you! - to do what you surely were already going to do: never stop talking to Ashley, never stop reassuring her that you are there, and keep on believing that, if it's God's will, Ashley WILL recover completely. And when she does, she will remember all those moments of you speaking to her, encouraging her, and loving her.

So with the love of Jesus Christ I want to encourage you to keep doing what you're doing; feel emboldened by the strength of our Savior; and continue to pour your love into Ashley. She hears you, I'm sure of it.

Prayers for you all. I can't imagine your pain, fear, and sadness at this time, as well as the questions of why sometimes. There is hope , however. I second the persons comment above about frankincense and a strict anti cancer diet. I recently heard a story ( on the truth about cancer series) of a young girl of 14 who was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor. She used the frankincense several times a day and followed a strict no sugar healthy diet and is now in her 20s and completely cancer free. The medical drs of today are not taught much nutrition in school, but it works. Way too many success stories that prove that it does. Praying for you guys.

Through your faith you are teaching others to have incredible faith in Jesus Christ. People who know you and don't know you are bombarding Heaven with your precious family's name. Thank you for showing others that God is good even when life is tough.

We've recently gone through our own medical trauma/crisis and also tried to proclaim the name of Jesus boldly. We had hundreds of people--some well known and some strangers--carry us through on the wings of their faithful prayers. We shall do the same for you and your family. We meditated on Isaiah 26:3--You will keep in perfect peacethose whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you. Interceding to Jehovah Rapha on your behalves.

David, my goodness. Your joy and your peace are clear in your writing, and I know that each are an inexplainable example of the nearness of God in these moments. Praying hard for you and your sweet wife.

I don't know you or Ashley but I live in Birmingham and went to Ouachita so I've seen so many FB friends sharing your posts. Yours and Ashley's faith and heart to glorify the Lord are so encouraging and inspiring. Please know that you and Ashley are being prayed for by many, even many you've never met!

Reading your blog from France while on retreat in a small town called Ars-sur-Formans. Will remember your wife in holy mass tomorrow at 10 am (3 am in Alabama). Jesus heal, love and safeguard both of you and your family. - Fr. Vincent Bresowar (I knew your sister Tracy at Auburn)

Not sure how I came across your blog, but I know I was lead here. Last year 10/24/16 my husband had a surgery to remove his cancer(not a glio, but at some point cancer is cancer). Every word in this post speaks so much truth and is all to similar. I remember the serious and deep discussions we had as husband and wife prior to his surgery, discussions I thought we wouldn't have for many years. Because we are to young, right? I remember trying to sleep in those awful fold out chairs next to him, literally trying to pull it as close as I could to his bed. This year 10/24/17 we had our first appointment at MD Anderson, still trucking along this cancer path. I find peace knowing that the Lord is using us as his vessels here on earth. But I also know the struggles that come with being a spouse, a care giver, and young adults facing this awful disease. Your family has been added to my list and I can't wait to watch how you both use this to glorify our one true king. -Lauren Stringer

David,Ashley, you, your daughters and family are certainly in my prayers. Your story is so touching. I pray she recovers quickly. I know these things aren't what we expect at younger ages but God doesn't exactly ask our opinions either. My husband passed away February 2015 leaving me and our 2 young sons. When people tell me "I can't see how you get up and live every day!" Well, because I have no choice. God didnt ask for my opinion. I praise Him for his healing power. Even though He didn't he my husband here, He DID heal him there! I tell all married couples now, cherish every single moment with the spouse God has given you. I pray David, that God will give you and Ashley a lifetime of moments to cherish. Thank you for your faith you've shown in this blog. I needed to see that strength more than you realize. Keep proclaiming His word, you are doing everything right!!!

David,My daughter shared your post with me. Her husband knows you from work. I am sharing it with my prayer warriors that reach from a little country church in Northwest Florida to a retirement community in Alaska. May God fill you--and your doctors--with grace and wisdom.

I just happened across your blog from a friend posting the link on Facebook. Have you considered trying medical cannabis in the form of CBD. It's as simple as ordering the oil online and dosing via an oral syringe. There are a lot of anecdotal reports of CBD shrinking brain tumors. CBD does not make you high as it is mostly CBD and only a tiny amount of THC. I'd recommend trying Haleigh's Hope. Our daughter takes it for intractable (drug resistant) seizures. Here's an article that can help you get started on researching CBD oil. You can probably find FB groups about cannabis and brain tumors where other patients and their families can help direct you. This is a new thing and so the studies are just being done now. You and your wife and family are in our prayers. https://www.theguardian.com/society/2017/may/02/study-cannabis-cannabidiol-cbd-ability-to-help-children-brain-tumours

You don't know me, but one of my friends (Brittany Pulido) shared your post and I read your blog post. Please know that you have been added to my husband and I's prayer board at home. We will boldly proclaim the name of Christ in honor of you and your sweet Ashley. God is such a good Father. Lifting you up to our Savior from Arkansas!

I don't know you, but I read your blog post. Please know that I will be praying for Ashley and your family and asking Ashley's post op to go well. I always feel that we are put in situations from which we will learn an important lesson. It is not always easy to figure out what we are supposed to be learning at the time, but eventually it will be made clear for us.

David,I'm a friend of Ashley's mother - we go way back before either of us had children. I consider myself blessed and privileged to know this sweet God honoring family. Today and everyday your family will be in my prayers. The courage and strength it took to write this first blog didn't go unnoticed.

I'm praying for Ashley and you to have peace about her health, strength to recover quickly from her brain surgery and wisdom to know and courage to make the best decisions going forward in your marathon. God's word is the greatest comfort and encouragement - I'm sure you already know.

"I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, do not fear, I will help you."--Isaiah 41:13

"In this world you will have trouble, but take heart. I have overcome the world."--John 16:33

"For God gave us not a spirit of fear but of power and love and self control." Timothy 1:7

"For we know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

"Let your hope make you glad. Be patient in tines of trouble and never stop praying."--Romans 12:12

"The same power that raised Christ from the dead is inside of you."--Romans 8:11

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13

David, I do not know you, and likely will never meet. You and your family are in my prayers. My family's path is yours. When our beloved Travis was diagnosed at 30 with a glio, he said, "I have learned that no situation is too hopeless for God to turn around for His glory. Now I boast about my weakness, because in my weakness God is strongest.”

No advice, only prayers to our Heavenly Father. God will lead you, He will sustain you.

Same as above-don't know you; will prob not meet this side of heaven. Thank you for sharing this-I saw it through different friends' (mutual?) posting this on FB. Regardless, with tears now streaming, I am praying for Ashley, you, your daughters, and your ext. family as you walk through the fire. Go back and read your words often. They are amazing! Love and prayers from Little Rock. Lea Lundy

I don't know you either, just a past Birminghamian and love Brook Hills. But I will definitely be praying. He is certainly letting His glory be shown through you two. He is still so good despite this, and I pray that He continues to lavish His grace and mercy upon you and allow you to rest in Him.

Thank you for sharing! As I sat here and read your story,I can't hold back my tears. (Full blown balling) I am at this very minute in a battle with my insurance company to pay for a back surgery that I desperately need to have a normal life. They continue to deny me. As I talked to them today it came over me that just maybe this is not God's time. Knowing His time is perfect. I hardly ever read things like this,but there was a small voice inside of me saying read this,you need to. I am so thankful I did. It has lifted my spirit,made my faith stronger. My faith has always been strong and I know Jesus Christ is my saviour. Thank you for reminding me He is in control and it will all work out for the good. I pray for you and your family,the doctors, your babies,for a divin healing come over Ashley and make her well,in Jesus name I pray❤❤❤

David, I'm not sure why you included a disclaimer to your writing abilities. You told an amazing story surrounded by the most trying of circumstances. With just those few words, the combination of faith and unquestioned devotion you and Ashley demonstrate is truly inspiring. He has carried you through several hurdles and has big plans for you and your family. Our prayers are with you. May God bless you and yours. I pray that those of us introduced only through this instance can learn from your strength and generous heart.

What a beautiful wife you have.....and what a wonderful God we serve....prayers for all of you and your family and the doctors as they deal with these complications. I especially pray for tat precious Peace that Passes all of our human understanding in the coming days. Kay Barnes (Cousin of Jonathan and Meredith Peters)

We have never met and I’m from Tuscaloosa. What a witness you and Ashley are for our Lord Jesus Christ. Please know that I will be praying for Ashley, you and your girls. Praying God gives you all the strength to get through this sickness, for the Physicians that will be working with Ashley, and for the comfort that can only come from our awesome God who is the Great Physician!!!! Just remember God is in control!! He’s still in the miracle business. I know that because he healed my 14 year old son from Leukemia. Maybe I will write later and tell you our story. Just keep the faith and keep those prayers going up.

David, I don’t know you or Ashley, but I am praying big for y’all. I’m currently a Tri Chi at OBU, and it crushes me knowing Ashley is gong through this. Our president is continuing to keep us update, and we will all (all 104 of us) will continue praying. Thank you for sharing y’all’s story.

David, I don’t know you or Ashley, but I am praying big for y’all. I’m currently a Tri Chi at OBU, and it crushes me knowing Ashley is gong through this. Our president is continuing to keep us update, and we will all (all 104 of us) will continue praying. Thank you for sharing y’all’s story.

David- I don't know you and saw your story through a friend of a friend I guess. As a husband and dad I cannot imagine what you are going through. Please know that there are plenty of folks you do not know praying for you and your family even from Sarasota, FL.

Hey David, I am heartbroken and encouraged by your story. I want to share that we were just discussing John 15 in life group this evening, and then I read your post. I hope you are as encouraged by these words as I am by the example you and Ashley are to me of what it means to abide in Christ:"If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."John 15:7-8I pray that you continue to abide in Him, that he will continue to answer your prayers, that Ashley will be fully healed, and that your story will be a light to so many others in times of darkness. Grace and peace to you and Ashley and your girls, brother.-Austin

Thank you for sharing. Sometimes we get in our own way trying to solve our problems instead of looking to Christ for our answers. Happy to hear you have not done so. I pray the Doctors, you and your family will continue to look to him for clarity and understanding. Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. God Bless ��

Hello David! We have never met. Your post popped up on my Facebook page as a result of a friend of mine, Cindy Jones, who put out a plea for prayer. I am constantly amazed by the many ways God unifies the body of Christ to align with His will. In this case, it is His desire for prayer warriors all across this nation, and beyond, to unite in prayer. I am certain that there are countless numbers of faithful intercessors that will stand before our Lord and Savior at the foot of the throne to intercede for you and your family.

I can say without reservation that God will reward your commitment to honor Him in the midst of this storm and make His name known.

Because of the strength of your faith and the message of hope you have shared in your post, thousands of people will hear the good new of Jesus Christ. For some, what you have shared will reignite their faith. Others, who are strong in their faith will come alongside you to bolster your faith all along the way. Then... there will be some who will be filled with an unexplainable and unquenchable thirst, hunger and desire to seek out this awesome God you have spoken of and they will find Him.

Over the coming hours, days, weeks and months, I pray the peace of God to wrap around you and your family, like a warm blanket, to comfort you and fill you with hope. God is in the details! He has never once glanced away! He has you in the palm of His hand! He will never leave you, nor will He forsake you! He is your refuge and strength! He is your Father God, your creator! You can cling, with absolute confidence, in the truths and promises of His Word. They represent His covenant with you to always provide all that you need and sustain you in every area of your life. Hang on to these truths!

It is a privilege to come alongside you to intercede in prayer! I look forward to seeing your updates.

I heard about you and your precious wife through Katherine Wolf, who has gone through something similar, she and her husband Jay are amazing and I am sure are praying for you and Ashley and family. Katherine is a living Miracle of God and she and Jay have told their story all over the world for the Glory of God!! I have a large prayer team consisting of people all over the country who prayed for Katherine and we will be praying for Ashley, you and all of your request above. Your Faith is amazing and I can tell from your words that Ashley's is too. May God grant Ashley her Miracle healing the Name of Jesus!!!

Lifting this sweet lady up to the Lord now! I will help carry this burden to the Lord as a fellow sister in Christ! It will be such an honor to have fervently prayed for her and watch to see what our Father does for his precious Daughter! Romans 5: 1-5

I am praying for you and Ashley and have shared your blog with my FB friends. Keep leaning on God and His promises. He is already receiving glory through your lives and your response to this challenge.

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